Introduction to general education courses to engineering programmes at the University of Botswana

Abstract

Complementary studies are fundamental for accreditation of engineering programmes in line with the Washington Accord. This paper presents the experiences of the University of Botswana in introducing General Education Courses (GECs) for the purpose of broadening the educational experience of all students, with particular reference to engineering students. Students registration data captured in the Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS) were analysed using Excel software. The five-year study period was from 2002 to 2007. Results indicate that engineering students mainly took GECs offered by the science and technology disciplines. It is concluded that GECs should be retained within the engineering programmes but the student advisory system should be improved and skills (e.g. IT competencies) that are important for professional development should be embedded in core courses instead of in general education.